Category: Africa

Source: APO

.

Your Excellency, Ambassador Romana Königsbrun
The Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, Your Excellencies, Ambassadors and High Commissioners,
Distinguished Guests,

It is a great honour to represent the Government of the Republic of South Africa on this special occasion as we celebrate the National Day of the Republic of Austria. On October 26, 1955, the Austrian Parliament passed the constitutional law on permanent neutrality, which has been celebrated as the Austrian National Day since 1965.

This historic moment marked the end of foreign occupation and affirmed Austria’s place among the community of free, independent, and peaceful nations.

In the words of the Preamble to South Africa’s Constitution, a united and democratic Austria was “able to take its rightful place as a sovereign state in the family of nations.”

Since then, Austria’s steadfast commitment to peace, neutrality, and diplomacy has remained a defining feature of its national identity.

Austria’s National Day is not only a commemoration of history but also a celebration of enduring values — peace, dialogue, and cooperation.

In an increasingly interconnected and complex world, these principles have never been more relevant.

Austria’s pivotal role in fostering international diplomacy, as host to key multilateral institutions such as the United Nations, the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), stands as a testament to its dedication to global peace, stability, and security.

Beyond diplomacy, Austria’s contributions to the arts, sciences, culture, cuisine and, for me especially, coffee – are celebrated across the world.

From the immortal music of Mozart, Schubert, Strauss and Schoenberg to the literature of Rainer Maria Rilke, Bertha von Suttner, and Elfriede Jelinek to the architecture and artistic splendour of Vienna and beyond, Austria continues to inspire humanity.

It is also the cradle of some of the world’s most profound thinkers — among them Ludwig Wittgenstein, whose reflections on language, logic, and the limits of human understanding remind us of the enduring power of thought to shape our moral and intellectual worlds and Erwin Schrödinger, who reminded us through both physics and philosophy that reality is at once interconnected and mysterious.

Their legacies speak to a nation that has never been afraid to ask the deepest questions about existence, knowledge, and human responsibility.

It is, therefore, no surprise that its leadership in sustainability, environmental stewardship, and innovation reminds us that true progress must always be grounded in respect for people and the planet alike.

As the Nobel Laureate Bertha von Suttner put it:
“One of the eternal truths is that happiness is created and developed in peace, and one of the eternal rights is the individual’s right to live.”
And also that: “After the verb ‘to Love’, ‘to Help’ is the most beautiful verb in the world.”

In this regard, today, we also celebrate the warm and enduring partnership between Austria and South Africa.

Our countries share strong diplomatic and economic ties, as well as a rich record of cultural exchange and mutual respect.

A highlight of our relationship this year was the State Visit of President Alexander Van der Bellen to South Africa in July, which deepened our bonds of friendship and cooperation.

We look forward to continuing this momentum through our ongoing Bilateral Consultations, the next round of which will be held in Pretoria in the first half of 2026.

Excellencies, distinguished guests –
Before I request you to raise your glasses, I must share with you the fruit of some of the research that I did on the relative merits of the sparkling wine produced by our two great nations.

A highly informative website, austria.info, describes in tantalising detail Austrian sparkling wines from the Schlumberger, Szigeti, Bründlmayer, Gobelsburg Castle, Jurtschitsch, Christian Madl, and Hannes Harkamp estates.

However, in the interests of avoiding the risk of souring South Africa and Austria’s excellent relations, I have decided, for today at least, to adopt a Law of Permanent Neutrality on this vexed question.

Nonetheless, I think we can all agree on the following statement that:
“The grape is a great little fruit: it refreshes and is sweet and sour at the same time.

It is blue-purple or greenish-white and likes to grow in Austria.

Here it has fresh air, lush soil, plenty of sun and silence, interrupted only by the people who take great care of the precious vines.

The small berry is the essence of the best wines and sparkling wines.

What would weddings, New Year’s Eve and the ball season in Vienna be without the sparkle in the slender glass?”
And indeed, what would Austria’s National Day be without the sparkle in the slender glass?

So may I now invite you to raise your glasses in a toast to Presidents Cyril Ramaphosa and Alexander Van der Bellen, to the people of South Africa and Austria, and to the continued friendship and partnership between our two nations.

I thank you.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: Department of Justice and Constitutional Development.

Source: APO

.

Today, on United Nations Day, the Youth Charter (www.YouthCharter.org) is calling for renewed international commitment to harness the power of sport, art, culture, and digital engagement as essential tools in achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and advancing global peace, equality, and opportunity for young people. 

For over three decades, the Youth Charter has championed the use of sport and culture as vehicles for social change, empowering young people, transforming communities, and building bridges across social, racial, and economic divides. As the world faces increasing conflict, inequality, and environmental challenge, the organisation warns that the global community must act now to reimagine how sport can contribute to peacebuilding and sustainable development. 

“The founding principles of the United Nations – ‘peace, human rights, and social justice, must be lived out through practical action at the community level,” said Prof Geoff Thompson MBE FRSA, Founder and Chair of the Youth Charter. 

“Sport remains one of the most powerful global languages. It can unite where politics divides, inspire where hope is lost, and engage where traditional systems fail. On this United Nations Day, we call on governments, institutions, and youth movements to reaffirm their commitment to Sport for Development and Peace.” 

Aligned with the UN Youth 2030 Strategy, UNESCO’s Fit for Life, and the IOC’s Olympism 365 framework, the Youth Charter’s Community Campus Model demonstrates how local, national, and international collaboration can deliver measurable social impact, promoting education, health, employment, and citizenship outcomes through sport and creative activity. 

As part of its ongoing “Global Call 2 Action”, the Youth Charter is urging policymakers, funders, and international agencies to: 

• Reinvest in youth development programmes using sport, art, and culture as catalysts for peace and social cohesion. 
• Recognise the role of community-led initiatives in achieving the UN’s 2030 Agenda. 
• Create inclusive pathways for young people to participate in leadership, volunteering, and civic engagement through sport. 
• Support cross-sector partnerships that connect education, health, and justice outcomes to sport-based interventions. 

“The next five years to 2030 are critical,” added Thompson. “The United Nations and all its partners must ensure that no young person is left behind and that sport continues to be a universal platform for peace, purpose, and progress.” 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Youth Charter.

Youth Charter @ Social Media:
LinkedIn: @ YouthCharter
Facebook: @ YouthCharter
Instagram: @ youthchartersdp
YouTube: @ YouthCharter
X: @ YOUTHCHARTER

Youth Charter #Hashtags: 
#InternationalOlympicCommittee 
#Olympism 
#Fight4theStreets 
#YoungLivesLost 
#Call2Action 
#LegacyOpportunity4All 
#SportDevelopmentPeace 
#Empowerthenextgeneration 
#CommonwealthSecretariat 
#UNSustainableDevelopmentGoals 

About Youth Charter:
The Youth Charter is a UK registered charity and UN accredited non-governmental organisation. Launched in 1993 as part of the Manchester 2000 Olympic Bid and the 2002 Commonwealth Games, the Youth Charter has Campaigned and Promoted the role and value of sport, art, culture and digital technology in the lives of disaffected young people from disadvantaged communities nationally and internationally. The Youth Charter has a proven track record in the creation and delivery of social and human development programmes with the overall aim of providing young people with an opportunity to develop in life. 

Specifically, The Youth Charter Tackles educational non-attainment, health inequality, anti-social behaviour and the negative effects of crime, drugs, gang related activity and racism by applying the ethics of sporting and artistic excellence. These can then be translated to provide social and economic benefits of citizenship, rights responsibilities, with improved education, health, social order, environment and college, university, employment and enterprise. 

Source: APO

.

The Chairperson of the AU Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf this afternoon addressed the inaugural virtual meeting of the Ad-Hoc Committee on AU Institutional #Reform, convened & chaired by H.E. President @ WilliamsRuto of Kenya, the AU Champion for Institutional Reform.

The Chairperson thanked President Ruto for his leadership in steering the reform process. President Ruto & the Chairperson reaffirmed Africa’s shared commitment to building a stronger, more coherent, & people-centered Union.

President Ruto announced that the Extraordinary Summit on AU Reforms will take place on 26 November 2025 in Luanda, to be hosted by H.E. President João Lourenço of #Angola.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Union (AU).

Source: APO

.

The Portfolio Committee on Health met on Wednesday and heard presentations from the South African Revenue Services (SARS) and the South African Police Services (SAPS) on the challenges posed by the flow of illicit cigarettes across South Africa’s borders.

The presentations highlighted the involvement of criminal syndicates in the illicit tobacco trade. Members of the committee expressed concern that the current low penalties imposed on offenders are insufficient to prevent or deter illegal activities, allowing criminal conduct to persist. The committee emphasised that stricter enforcement mechanisms and harsh penalties need to be implemented, as this will help curtail the growing trade.

A key point of discussion was the corruption within licencing bodies for clearing and forwarding agents. Members were concerned that a substantial proportion of these businesses are foreign-owned and may be operating outside the law. The committee called for enhanced scrutiny and stricter controls to ensure that licences are granted only to compliant and legitimate operators, thereby fostering a more transparent and accountable environment.

The committee discussed in detail the effectiveness of existing legislation in combating illicit trade. Members questioned whether the Tobacco Bill currently being processed by the committee will provide sufficient enforcement powers to address the complexities of the situation. Some committee members proposed that an enforcement impact analysis be conducted to assess the implications of new laws before they are enacted, ensuring that any bill passed into law will be enforceable.

The presentations revealed the need for increased resources within SAPS and SARS. Both entities indicated that the lack of personnel and funding has severely hampered their ability to effectively combat illicit trade. Members of the committee noted their concern about the current number of officers dedicated to enforcement and highlighted the necessity of additional training and staffing to reinforce these efforts.

The acting committee Chairperson, Ms Tembalam Xego, said the decision to invite SARS and SAPS was informed by issues raised during public consultations on the Tobacco Bill, particularly regarding concerning challenges related to illicit trade and the non-enforcement of existing regulations. Ms Xego said the engagement is not intended to be a once-off encounter; rather, it marks the beginning of an ongoing dialogue that will enable the committee to engage with the relevant authorities directly involved in addressing the illicit trade of tobacco.

On the issue of plain packaging, “I want to clarify that the proposed regulations do not entail the elimination of brand names. The focus is on removing the bright colours that attract consumers, especially young people, to these products. Brand names will remain visible, but the emphasis is on presenting the products in a less appealing manner to discourage use,” said Ms Xego.

The committee acknowledged the need for enhanced interdepartmental collaboration. It is essential for the relevant government departments, including Health, Justice and Home Affairs, to work together effectively to address the challenges posed by illicit trade.

In her concluding remarks, Ms Xego said “You highlighted the partnerships between your departments, however it is essential to also include the justice system in these discussions. Given the complex interdependencies, consideration must be given to the roles of the Department of Transport and the Department of Correctional Services within the broader strategy. As Members of Parliament, our primary responsibility is to safeguard the public interest, and we must ensure that all relevant stakeholders are included in this effort.”

ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE ACTING CHAIRPERSON OF THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON HEALTH, MS TEMBALAM XEGO.

For media inquiries or interviews with the Chairperson, please contact the committee’s Media Officer:
Name: Yoliswa Landu (Ms)
Cell: 081 497 4694
E-mail: ylandu@parliament.gov.za

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.

Source: APO

.

The Select Committee on Agriculture, Land Reform and Mineral Resources will tomorrow meet with the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment including nine provincial legislatures. The committee will host a workshop to address the threatened or protected species (TOPS) regulations and the draft notice prohibiting certain activities involving African lions.

The workshop is scheduled for 25 and 26 October 2025 at Kirstenbosch Gardens in Cape Town. All nine provincial legislatures will be represented by nine delegates each.

The workshop follows a meeting held on 7 October 2025, where various provincial issues were raised. The meeting was considered insufficient for comprehensive discussion and so the committee chairperson, Mr Mpho Modise, proposed a consolidated workshop that would delve more deeply into the subject matter.

Mr Modise said the primary goal of the workshop is to create a platform for meaningful dialogue between the national department, the committee and all provincial legislatures. “Representatives will have the opportunity to discuss specific provincial concerns raised during the previous briefing, ensuring that all voices are heard and considered in the legislative process,” he said.

The workshop also aims to provide clarity on the TOPS regulations, which will allow stakeholders to better understand the implications of the legislation for their respective provinces.

The discussions will focus on finding collaborative solutions that reflect the diverse needs of all provinces, thereby strengthening the legislative framework. Moreover, the workshop will explore how similar gatherings can be used in the future for interrogating bills referred to the committee and for conducting legislative reviews of passed legislation.
Details of the workshop
Date: 25 and 26 October 2025
Time: 09:00–17:00
Venue: Kirstenbosch Gardens

ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE SELECT COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE, LAND REFORM AND MINERAL RESOURCES, MR MPHO ‘BONES’ MODISE 

For media inquiries or interviews with the Chairperson, please contact the committee’s Media Officer:
Name: Yoliswa Landu (Ms)
Cell: 081 4974694
E-mail: ylandu@parliament.gov.za

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.

Source: APO

.

More than one million people are still being forced to survive on a tiny patch of land, and in dangerous living conditions, in southern Gaza, Palestine. This displacement, along with the massive destruction of civilian infrastructure and the health system by Israeli forces, is creating the perfect storm for disease and illness to spread, warns Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF). Israeli authorities should immediately allow a massive scale up of humanitarian assistance to flow freely into Gaza. 

Despite the ceasefire, people in Gaza continue to endure extreme suffering, as Israel’s two-year-long genocidal campaign has left them traumatised, injured, and dangerously exposed to the elements as winter approaches. Without immediate improvements to water, sanitation, shelter, and nutrition, more people will die from entirely preventable causes.

“In southern Gaza, families who have been forced to flee repeatedly are crammed into a sea of makeshift tents, packed into the few remaining schools, or sleeping in the open amid rubble, piles of garbage, animal waste, and overflowing sewage,” says Aitor Zabalgogeazkoa, MSF emergency coordinator in Gaza. “It’s utterly unacceptable.”

As the temperature drops, people’s fragile living conditions will heighten their exposure to extreme weather. This, combined with people’s exhaustion, will further heighten health risks.

MSF medical data from 2025 shows that diseases directly linked to poor living conditions, such as skin, eye, respiratory, and gastrointestinal infections, as well as generalised aches and pains, account for 70 per cent of all outpatient consultations in our healthcare centres in southern Gaza.

“Malnutrition, inadequate sanitation, and poor living conditions are taking a devastating toll on people’s health — they’re especially getting sick because of the conditions they’re forced to live in,” says Adi Nadimpalli, MSF medical coordinator.

Malnutrition, inadequate sanitation, and poor living conditions are taking a devastating toll on people’s health — they’re especially getting sick because of the conditions they’re forced to live in.

The collapse of the water and sanitation system — a direct result of targeted destruction and the systematic blockages on reconstruction materials imposed by Israeli authorities — has triggered a surge in waterborne diseases, particularly diarrhoeal illnesses, since the first week of April 2025. Over the past two years, MSF teams have treated more than 78,000 cases of diarrhoea, including over 24,000 cases since April of this year. Many families are unable to acquire or safely prepare food, and limited access to clean water is worsening the situation.

From October 2024 to September 2025, MSF teams at Nasser hospital, in Khan Younis, screened pregnant women for malnutrition, with 1,366 being diagnosed. In Gaza, many mothers are struggling to safely feed their babies — some are so malnourished that they are unable to produce enough breast milk, while ready-to-use infant formula is in short supply.

Finding clean water and sterile materials to prepare milk is nearly impossible, and even boiling water has become a challenge, with most families lacking access to cooking gas and resorting to burning scarce and expensive wood.

Recovery from trauma is also compromised by these harsh living conditions. The lack of mobility aids, such as crutches and wheelchairs, makes it extremely difficult for thousands of people with amputations or disabilities to move around tents, access latrines, or reach clinics.

“We see many people with large open wounds, burns, or external fixators who are living in tents without proper hygiene, waste management, or climate control,” says Nadimpalli. “Infections that would normally be preventable are now common, leading to worsening health conditions and repeated hospitalisations.”

We see many people with large open wounds, burns, or external fixators who are living in tents without proper hygiene, waste management, or climate control.

Since May — with a sharper increase from mid-August — MSF teams have observed a significant rise in respiratory tract infections, which are typically more common during the winter months. According to the Ministry of Health, acute respiratory infections now account for 67 per cent of total morbidity.

MSF has also witnessed an increase in skin diseases, including scabies, lice, and other infectious and non-infectious conditions, since mid-August.

The Israeli authorities must immediately allow a massive scale up of unimpeded humanitarian assistance into Gaza, so that people’s suffering and vulnerability to the elements can be addressed.  

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Médecins sans frontières (MSF).

Source: APO

.

Coinciding with the 80th anniversary of the United Nations Charter coming into force on October 24, 1945, the Ministry of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation, in partnership with the United Nations organization, is celebrating the close relationship with the Arab Republic of Egypt, considering it one of the founding countries that has contributed throughout the history of cooperation to advancing multilateral international action for the achievement of sustainable development.

H.E. Dr. Rania Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation, emphasized that the Arab Republic of Egypt is proud of its partnership with the United Nations organization, for the sake of achieving peace and shared prosperity, and advancing development efforts. She explained that Egypt has had an active role over the past decades in upholding the values of international partnerships and multilateral cooperation for the purpose of exchanging expertise, achieving development, and confronting common challenges such as climate change, development finance, enhancing food security, and the economic empowerment of communities.

Dr. Al-Mashat added that while the United Nations celebrates its 80th anniversary, the current international challenges necessitate a reconsideration of the global financial system and the governance of the international system in general, which would allow a greater role for developing and emerging nations, so that the global system reflects the aspirations of those countries and provides the mechanisms and tools they need to face the various challenges.

Minister Al-Mashat highlighted that the partnership between Egypt and the United Nations is witnessing continuous development, through the Strategic Framework for Partnership for Sustainable Development 2023–2027, which translates the priorities of the Egyptian state in the areas of investing in human capital, green transformation, inclusive growth, and the empowerment of women and youth.

Dr. Al-Mashat noted that this cooperation reflects Egypt’s approach based on national ownership of development programs, and the integration of efforts between the government, development partners, the private sector, and civil society, within the framework of Egypt Vision 2030 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Dr. Al-Mashat reiterated that Egypt, stemming from its regional and international role, continues to support the principles of the UN Charter, and seeks to enhance international coordination in the areas of innovative finance, confronting global challenges, and supporting developing countries in their developmental paths, which contributes to building a more sustainable, just, and prosperous future for all humanity.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation – Egypt.